Final Pieces

Aaron Siskind

Evaluation:

I am so pleased with this work, I think I did a great job capturing the essence of Siskind's work. I chose these final pieces specifically because they are my favourite of all the work I created, the monochrome texture that defines the work of Siskind are represented well in these two pieces. I also love the material I have photographed, ripped paper and urban degradation in general is the focus of the photos. The way something so mundane and so unnoteworthy is transformed into interesting images is so clever. 

In the first one my favourite aspect is the glass that reveals a brick wall adding another dimension to the picture, it contrasts well with bold lettering and the bolts in the wall. I think next time I would want to change the framing of the photo and perhaps zoom in more. 

In the second piece I love the fact that none of the components in the image are full, they are all fragments of what once was. For example the torn advertisement no longer contains a full word because of its degradation.  All of these broken pieces come together to form beautiful but imperfect art. 

Giorgio Cravero 

Evaluation:

I feel these two pieces build very successfully on Cravero’s original ideas.  For the first of these I have moved away from his original ‘dipped’ composition and used the paint to dribble over the broccoli.  For the second I have developed his idea in a slightly different way – and dipped the vegetable in contrasting paint rather than a colour that is the same as the vegetable. Cravero seems to have been particularly interested in combining two different textures in his work  - the details on the surfaces of the vegetables, along with the soft flowing movement of the paint.  I have done my best to emulate this effect in my photos.  In both the pieces the ‘bobbly’ texture of the broccoli florets contrasts with the unctuous movement of the dribbling paint. 

In both pieces I have used two contrasts.  Firstly, the soft natural green of the broccoli contrasts with the more lurid ‘pop’ of colour of the paint.  Nature versus man-made colour. The is particularly clear at the forefront of the compositions where the objects are in very detailed focus.  The depth of field is very shallow in this first piece (at f stop f2.8) so much of the composition remains out of focus. Although this is different to Cravero’s work I think it is very effective in drawing the eye to a point where the two textures meet. The settings are similar for the second photo, however I had moved the camera further away at this point so more of the object is within the focal range.  I really love how clear and crisp the texture of the broccoli head is and how vividly the orange paint is represented.

Alicja Brodowicz

Evaluation:

For this project I definitely bit off more than I could chew, I didn't anticipate how difficult it actually is to match up aspects of nature with body parts. Nevertheless I fell in love with Alicja Brodowicz's concept and knew I had to give it my best shot. I think I have done quite well all things considered. While slightly stomach churning these pieces are complex and beautiful in their own right.  Its quite an awkward thing having to take pictures of someone unflatteringly and then compare it to tree bark but despite this I  enjoyed the process and the challenges it brought with it.  

This first final piece is an homage to  this beautiful branch I found one frosty morning, its almost sparkly appearance makes it all the more shocking when it is presented alongside an ankle and foot.  The shape of the branch immediately reminded me of a joint I just wasn't sure what sort until I realised that the knot in the wood looks like the bit of the ankle that pops out on the side of your foot. I'm so pleased with this piece, my only self critique is that I wish I had framed the photo on the right better.

This second piece may be my favourite piece I have ever created, I think it was a spot of genius to match up the neck  with a tree trunk, and to have them mesh togehtor like that. They match up so satisfyingly the only thing to differentiate them is the tree bark and the foliage.  Lets just say I will never look at a persons neck the same after this project. Next time I'm going to take Alicja Brodowicz inspired pieces to the next level and make more just like this second piece where the two aspects piece together.